Volume 1

Medical and miscellaneous observations relative to the West India Islands / by John Williamson, M.D., fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, formerly surgeon to the Caithness Highlanders, and late of Spanish Town, Jamaica.

  • Williamson, John (Surgeon)
Date:
1817
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Medical and miscellaneous observations relative to the West India Islands / by John Williamson, M.D., fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, formerly surgeon to the Caithness Highlanders, and late of Spanish Town, Jamaica. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    chal. Much persuasion was used to Induce her to abandon such an idea; but her consent could not be gained. Something approaching to a promise had been obtained ; and the influence of this crafty friar had so overcome the woman, that she appeared under a deep thoughtful melancholy, approaching to a privation of reason. By concerted plans, the views of the friar were not successful. She was kept on board till the fleet sailed; but it required several days to bring the young woman to her usual habits and rationality. At the same time, a secret influence was resorted to by the clergy to prevail on a Miss M. a young and beautiful girl, to accept the veil. Their object was too nearly accomplished, by certain promises obtained, when the fleet arrived. The parents of the young lady were very unhappy ; and it was so concerted, that she should be carried on board the Arethusa, Captain WooUey, returning to England. Her escape was ef- fected in opposition to some of the ecclesiastical and civil authorities; and under that protection she was carried away. On the invitation of Surgeon Daly of the Maidstone, dined with him. Previous to dinner, went through the ship, and found an admirable system, well adapted to secure comfort and health to all on board. Our din- ing party was numerous ; and it appeared really to be an honest eff'usion of hospitality, becoming a set of gen- tlemen-like tars. It is said that the clergy are paid by the Crown. The magistracy has at its head a corregidor, who is the chief dispenser of justice, and appears on all occa-